THE HOUSE
Architecturally-designed to take advantage of the views and sun, The Perch was created to optimise summer and winter living. In hotter months it’s a short seven minute walk from the front door to one of Northland’s most renowned beaches. Wander down through the native bush trail or take the road - when you’re ready to come home it’s a short walk back to an outdoor shower and a cold bottle of wine in the fridge.
The house has been “over” insulated, from its extra thick glass to the concrete panel walls. This keeps it cool in summer and toasty in winter. It takes a lot for the temperature to drop but if it does just turn on the roaring gas fire or pop a heat pump on (there’s one in each of the five bedrooms). Take a hot bath with views out to the famous Poor Knights Islands, then snuggle up on the couch in front of the Smart TV, or read a book in the second living space. ...
The Perch has the best of everything, and every design decision was made with comfort in mind. Three bathrooms and a sophisticated hot water system on either side of the house mean you can shower when you want. The house is designed for outdoor living and perfect for large groups, with individuals and couples free to find their own fun during the day then come together in the evening to make dinner together in the huge entertainer’s kitchen with a second kitchen/scullery so you’ll never run out of space. When the food is ready, eat outside while taking in the view of the moon rising over the Poor Knights (the islands glow red like Uluru at sunset). There is also seating for ten or more at the dining table inside.
The master and main guest bedroom both have views of Moureeses Bay and the Pacific Ocean, while other rooms look out at the native bush surrounds. With nothing but nature surrounding the property, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in privacy during your stay.
All the little things are taken care of: from fresh, luxury linen on brand new beds, to large comfortable lounge suites, to an instant boiling filter tap so you can make a hot cup of tea as soon as you think of it. A dedicated garage has room for a large boat and ocean-going gear, while a second garage easily houses two large cars.
Below is a list of some of The Perch’s features. If you’re wondering about something in particular, please ask.
- Master bedroom with king size bed, featuring en suite with bath
- Guest bedroom one with queen size bed
- Guest bedroom two with queen size bed
- Guest bedroom three with twin single beds
- Guest bedroom four with twin single beds
- Two additional bathrooms each with bath; fourth additional toilet near kitchen
- Entertainer’s kitchen with Samsung fridge/freezer, Smeg silver hob, Smeg double oven, Smeg microwave and Fisher and Paykel
- dishwasher; Nespresso machine, Merquip Schwan boiling water/filter tap
- Large scullery with second Fisher and Paykel dish drawer, plus additional sink and kitchen preparation space
- Large kitchen island breakfast bar plus dining table to seat 10+
- Two separate living areas, Samsung smart TV, gas fire
- Outdoor lounge suite
- Heat pump in every bedroom
- Miele washing machine and Miele dryer
- Portacot on request
- Trampoline, children’s “fort”
- Four hectares of native bush including stream, pond and bush walks
- Access to Te Araroa trail
THE LAND
Listen for the call of our resident kiwi birds at night and marvel at stars like you’ve never seen them in our dark sky sanctuary. In the morning wander down the nature trail to visit the threatened Pateke (brown teal ducks) who make our pond their home, and look out for the tuna (giant eels) - the locals know them by name!
After being farmed for many decades, the hill was regenerated with native trees and shrubs so that the house now sits among five hectares of thriving bush, including Mānuka and Kānuka (known as “the tree of life”, it’s a favourite of the spectacular native Puriri moths). With advice from local conservation experts, we support the emerging ecosystem by controlling introduced pests so that insect and bird life can prosper. ...
The site has always been sought after - in pre-European times, local Maori prized the area for its access to forestry, estuary, wetlands and of course the sea. There are ancient storage and cooking pits on our property which we are proud to act as Kaitiaki (guardians) of. They’re a treasured clue to the property’s past and are registered as an archaeological site (Q06/557).
Depending on when you visit you’ll find different treats in our orchard - apples one month, figs the next, avocados when they come into season. Cut some lettuce leaves from our organic fertilised garden and have dinner outside in the late afternoon sun.
If you have children in your party they’ll have lots of fun safely exploring the property - the kid’s fort is almost as high-spec as the house! There is a huge trampoline in the yard and a second treehouse if your tiny explorers are clever enough to find it.
For trampers and keen trail runners, a little further up our drive you can connect with Te Araroa trail, New Zealand’s 3000km walkway that runs from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
THE AREA
An incredible jewel of northern New Zealand, Whananaki is known for its unspoilt beaches, along with world-class fishing, surfing and diving. Just two and a half hours from central Auckland, the area is within striking distance for a weekend but just far enough from the city that it remains undiscovered by many.
There is plenty to explore by boat or kayak, and divers in your party will already know about the Poor Knights islands, a crystal clear marine sanctuary regularly named among the top ten scuba and snorkelling spots on earth. But you don’t need a boat to enjoy the area - there is so much to discover by foot and flipper....
Pick up some groceries on the way through Whangarei but if you miss something don’t sweat - there’s a general store at Whananaki North which stocks essential supplies. While you’re there take a walk across the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere - locals have been known to catch kingfish off it when the tide is right! Walk a little further to Whananaki South, a huge stretch of white sand that eventually becomes Sandy Bay, the beginning of the Tutukaka Coast.
While staying at The Perch your closest beach will be Moureeses Bay, just seven minutes walk from home through native bush. Moureeses is a photographer’s favourite, beautiful and with everything you need for a perfect day at the beach - but, if you decide to explore, there is a new, picturesque bay to discover around every bend.